msdelexus

Hi,

I plan to change the ATF on my 2003 es300 with 86k miles on it.
Some dealers recommend doing a Flush while others recomend a Drain/Refill.
I've read in some transmission threads that Flushing the ATF is bad or may cause potential harm to the transmission while a simple Drain/Refill will not completely change the ATF content of the transmission. Are there any real issues ( pros and cons) regarding this two (2) methodology?
Thanks for your your input.

97'ES

Flushing really moves a lot of particles around and leads to horror stories too often. If you haven't changed it yet at all at 83k id do a few drain and fills. One won't be enough. That's the only con. buy a bucket and a ten mm hex bit amd do it yourself. Takes 10 minutes.

Audacity

I bought my 2000ES 300 with 90,000 miles on it about 9 months ago and the ATF had never been changed. I bought a case (12 quarts) of ATF fluid from Toyota and proceeded to do multiple drain/fills myself.
Once the engine/tranny is hot pull the drain plug and let it drain for a few minutes. Replace the drain plug and top off the ATF. You'll only be adding a couple quarts. Make sure not to add more fluid than you drained from it. DO NOT OVERFILL THE TRANNY WITH ATF!!!!! Then drive for a few (10+) miles and repeat the process.
I believe it took me 5 or 6 drain/refills to go through the case of ATF. My tranny fluid is very clean now and I didn't have to deal with any of the potential problems that can be experianced with a flush.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

^^ Why didn't you change the filter/gasket ?? At that mileage it be best to do so...

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OP drain & fill, is all you need. The Toyota/Lexus guys' suggest this, the techs that is.

Also, your motor might be different.

I know my dad's RX330 with the same engine does not have a filter. Unlike my 2001 where i had to change a filter, this motor did not have one and only called for a drain & fill, as above.

Audacity

My ES (2000) doesn't have a filter - it has a metal screen. There is no leak whatsoever with my gasket.The tech I spoke to (top dawg at the Toyota dealership he works at) suggested I do it this way. It's been 20,000 miles since I did the drain/fill method and the fluid looks brand new with no signs of metal in it. Tranny runs perfect - knock on wood.
Martin

97'ES

the screen is never called for to be changed or cleaned. It only leads to more metal particles being circulated around. Keep the atf fresh and don't abuse the trans and it'll be fine.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Yeah, sorry. This is what i was referring to. I had mine changed since it came as a 'kit' with the new screen [direct swap] and a new gasket.

Also, the trans. to my knowledge never had a flush done, so i did it all at 110k miles on it...

kyledye25

So I am planning on doing the drain and fill multiple times in a row deal. I think it would really help my tranny out since it has 238k. Not sure if it has been done but I bet it has since the tranny fluid is on ok/so so shape. Any one prefer to use on ATF fluid over another? I was thinking about just going to Toyota but then again if I get better results with another then Ill buy it. Even its more...I think it would be worth putting really good ATF in it. Thanks.

sneakers

Flush is the best way....spend the money and have it done.
I paid 150 at the dealer, said it took 14 quarts of oil.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

yikes...

OP here is a thread: http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=290321

*read post 3, it explains the two very well.

If you want more insight, read up on www.bobistheoilguy.com A lot of scientists/nerds go on the forums and discuss this very issue and any other automotive myths with factual data to prove it/argue against it.

This is why i skipped the flush, since it woudl risk doing more harm than good as opposed to a drain/fill which was FAR 'safer'.

Trans is in motion/friction, thus the metal shavings collect in the oil. If you do a flush there is a risk that some of those shavings can get caught in the 'veins' of the trans. and cause poorer flow.

Whereas the drain/fill doesn't disrupt the 'natural flow' of the shavings & fluid. It greatly reduces the amount of those, since the larger pieces collect in the magnets at the bottom of the pan, and that should be cleaned [hence why i did the gasket* & not JUST the fill up part].

* giving me the chance to clean up the gunk and remove & clean the magnets of those shavings.

Audacity

Buy the Toyota ATF. A case (12 quarts) should do you fine. I think it was $50-$60 nine months ago when I bought one.

Audacity

01LEXPL - How much metal did you find on the magnets when you changed your gasket?
Thanks,
Martin

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Not a lot to be fair. It was a few minuscule shavings on the magnets. Borderline 'powder' sized particles in some parts

Not too bad for 110k on original trans. oil i suppose!

Lexucan

Maybe someone with so little experience shouldn't be advising others about how to destroy their tranny...just a thought.

97'ES

I'm glad somebody said it